Hussain to join Sky Sports

Hours after Nasser Hussain announced his retirement from cricket, it has been confirmed that he is to join the Sky Sports commentary team on a fulltime basis.

At today's press conference, Hussain insisted he would take a few weeks off before he started his new life, and it will indeed be nearly a month before he makes his senior debut behind the mike, at England's NatWest Series game against New Zealand at Old Trafford on June 24.

Hussain has signed a four-deal with Sky, and becomes the fourth England captain to join the commentary team after Ian Botham, David Gower and Bob Willis. "We now have the most experienced line-up ever seen in a commentary box," said Vic Wakeling of Sky. "Four former England captains with over 400 Tests, 20,000 runs, and 700 wickets between them - and each is a former Wisden Cricketer of the Year."

Hussain will probably need those few weeks off before a busy schedule up in the commentary box. He will follow England's international fortunes at home and away this year, as well the domestic programme, including the Twenty20 Cup, National League and County Championship.